NZ Online Casino Bill 2026: Government Bans Credit Cards as Banks Tighten Gambling Controls

New Zealand banks continue to apply restrictions and increased monitoring to gambling-related payments, particularly those linked to offshore online casinos. While gambling itself is legal in New Zealand, banks have their own compliance and risk management obligations. These policies affect how deposits and withdrawals are processed and which payment methods can be used. The issue is especially important as online gambling is ongoing while the government works through potential changes to online casino regulation.

Why banks restrict gambling payments

New Zealand banks are required to meet anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations. Gambling-related transactions are often treated as higher risk, particularly when payments involve overseas operators.
Banks assess factors such as transaction patterns, destination accounts, and payment channels. This can result in deposits or withdrawals being delayed, declined, or reviewed, even when players are acting lawfully.

Offshore gambling payments under greater scrutiny

Payment methods linked to offshore online casinos are more likely to encounter restrictions because these operators are not licensed or regulated in New Zealand. Banks have limited visibility over how overseas casinos operate, which increases the uncertainty around the potential for money laundering and fraud. As a result, some payment methods, including credit cards and certain international transfers, may be blocked or restricted when used for offshore gambling activity.

Domestic gambling is treated differently

Licensed gambling providers, such as Lotto New Zealand and TAB betting services, generally don’t face the kind of payment barriers experienced by online casinos. This is because they operate under New Zealand law and are subject to local oversight, which reduces compliance risk from a banking perspective.

How Gambling Payments Are Treated by NZ Banks

Banks often include gambling payment restrictions as part of their compliance and responsible lending policies. Limiting credit-based gambling transactions can help reduce financial harm and prevent customers from gambling with borrowed funds.

What this means for New Zealand players

For New Zealand players, banking policies mean gambling payments can vary depending on the bank, payment method, and whether the operator is domestic or offshore. Players experiencing blocked transactions are generally advised to contact their bank for clarification.
Payment restrictions remain one of the issues affecting how New Zealanders transact with offshore online casinos.